Iowa grandmother ‘outraged’ over efforts to repeal marriage equality

An 80-year-old grandmother has taken to YouTube to speak out on marriage equality, her gay son, his marriage, and her outrage over the effect the gay marriage debate is having on her and her family.

Jean Argus

Jean Argus was inspired by the recent video of Zach Wahls, a University of Iowa student who spoke about the strength of his family during a public forum on Iowa’s House Joint Resolution 6, an amendment that seeks to repeal the state’s marriage equality law, and deny any form of legal recognition for gay couples.

“When our son came out to us in 1980, we were stunned, confused and angry … years later, after the shock wore off, and we saw the life our son had created with his future husband Bob, I realized that he is still my son — and that in many ways, nothing has changed,” said Jean.

“The actions and words of some affect my son, his husband, my family and my grandchildren. My son is not an issue. He is a person, just like you.”

“I am outraged by the way gay marriage is being used by some to further their own political ambitions. I was sickened when the state Supreme Court judges were dismissed by the voters, removed because of peoples’ prejudices.

“Discrimination affects all of us — not just me, as a mother of a gay son.”